It is well-known that the key to truly uplifting an economy is via the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. Although there is often a call for entrepreneurship, the risk of starting your own business from scratch is extremely high; this is true in South Africa and across the world. But by encouraging the creation of small and medium businesses ― and in particular, franchises with proven business models and entrenched support structures ― the country can create more jobs and generate income-earning potential. Franchising gives the private sector the opportunity to re-employ those who have been retrenched (sometimes in small towns around the country), particularly after the last two years – plus make a concerted effort to get closer to that 2030 goal. Our CEO attended a franchising panel at the GIBS campus discussing the role of SMEs in the economy. This panel session was broadcasted on SABC. Click below to view the segment.